Two young girls on stage performing High School Musical

A Summer to Shine on Stage

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Outsmart Lord Farquaad. Dive Under the Sea. Dance in Dalmatian dots.

If you’re looking for a summer camp experience for your child that combines movement and music and generates thunderous applause, a week on stage may fit the bill.

Musical theatre camps – a longstanding tradition at Corbett Prep’s CAMP IDS – give students of all ages the chance to express and challenge themselves as they work together to tell a story for an audience.

Some campers are new to performing. Some return year after year for the fun they have and the friendships they develop.

This summer, CAMP IDS has its biggest lineup yet with five shows for elementary and middle school students, and Corbett Prep will offer two additional musicals for high school-aged students.

Third through eighth graders can join the casts of “Shrek Jr.,” “The Little Mermaid Jr.” and the Broadway Junior revue “Raise Your Voice.” First through fifth graders can perform in “101 Dalmatians Kids” and “Seussical Kids.” All take place at Corbett Prep, but are open to students from any school through CAMP IDS.

Why consider theatre camp?

A summer in the spotlight offers several benefits. A camp is a shorter time commitment than a typical production, which makes it easier for students new to acting to try it without giving up sports or other activities. They might discover a favorite new pastime!

Participating in theatre also brings growth opportunities. Acting increases empathy and understanding because students put themselves into their characters’ shoes. Learning lines, cues, choreography and blocking requires students to act responsibly in their roles and step in as leaders or problem solvers when younger cast members need help or plans go awry. Confidence climbs when students take their bows and realize all they accomplished in just a few days.

And finally, friendships form easily when the cast spends hours together in rehearsals. It’s a great way to meet students from all over the Tampa Bay area as they share the excitement of putting on a show.

A group of young kids on stage performing Seussical at Corbett Prep

What to expect

Ready for your child’s debut? A musical theatre camp may follow a different schedule than other camps. Some of the CAMP IDS shows ask students to audition before the summer begins so they are cast and can learn their lines to come prepared once camp starts. Other shows hold auditions on the first day as students begin to practice group songs. You will also want to check the hours the camp runs and if rehearsals run longer as the show nears. The director may ask parents to send in basic blacks for costumes – T-shirts and pants – or the camp may provide more ornate options in keeping with the characters. Some shows have involved puppetry, detailed sets and props and colorful lighting.

It’s amazing how much students can accomplish in a weeklong summer camp. Students always shine, even with just a short time period to prepare, as they transport audiences to Shrek’s swamp, Whoville, Ursula’s lair or another imaginative setting. It’s a musical journey that adults and children alike love to take.

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Presented By: Corbett Prep

Originally published in the April 2026 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.